An irresistible post
I've been at a loss for what to post on my blog lately...I've been wanting to but just haven't had any brilliant ideas of what to post except for what happened the day before, and that's usually really boring. I think it's just b/c I've gotten into a routine, and nothing that out of the ordinary has happened in a while (except for that whole truck deal).
But, today I have something somewhat important. (Note the bolded word)
Keeping this topic in perspective, it can serve to further someone's relationship with God. Deal with it out of perspective and it results in a cold heart and spiritual pride. So, with that said...I've been consumed the last couple weeks w/ Calvinism. Mainly Calvinism vs. Arminianism. About 6 years ago I dealt with this, but 6 years ago I was a jerk of a Christian and thought that my knowledge of this subject somehow made me spiritually mature. In reality it made me a loser. Before, I thought that all of this intellectual study really mattered, probably even for someone's salvation...but, by the Grace of God, I'm much more mellow about that stuff now, and think that I can probably handle all of the knowledge w/o negative consequenses.
So, letting by-gones be by-gones, I think I'm ready to revisit this stuff again in a manner that glorifies God. So that's what I'll be doing over the next....well, it could take a while.
If anyone has any good resources on the stuff I'd love to hear it. Ok, I'm out.
posted by Jeff @ 11:53 AM
15 Comments:
I think you are spot on about keeping this debate in perspective. So many people can start bashing eachother on the head and seriously lose the plot with debates about calvinism vs arminianism, the rapture, the gift of tongues, whether christians should drink alcohol etc etc
Grudems systematic theology has some good stuff on this topic, what's good about Grudem is that he approaches the different viewpoints with their strengths are weaknesses, rather than just giving a one sided argument.
yeah, stay away from the whole "reformed" i-like-to-use-big-words-to-prove-i'm-righteous-if-you-don't-agree-with-me-you-are-going-to-hell-and-i-probably-shouldn't-stand-next-to-you-lest-you-be-struck-down-or-i-be-associated-with-you-but-i'm-actually-so-scared-of-myself-i-have-to-put-up-this-wall-of-selfrighteousness-to-hide-that-i'm-a-basket-case-and-scared-of-God stuff that a lot of people seem to get in, and remember God's grace.
not that i think you would let yourself get into that, jeff, it's just that it scares the crap out of me, because i have been there before, and seen it lately hurt people i love.
(i hope i dont mean that above stuff too harshly)
.. now i feel kind of bad about saying that... gee wiz!
i'm a basket case
Clifton - Part of reading blog comments is to know the person who wrote it. You make good points.
Grant - Thanks, I'll definitely check out Grudens...cheers mate!
Interesting that you are thinking about these things Jeff.
Calvinism is a lot closer to what I think than Arminiansim. I'm not deep into the theologies but - on the "P" in TULIP - Predestination - I think a key passage is Romans 9:18-20, from which I gather that predestination and personal accountability exist at the same time and we are just not meant to know how to explain it.
For what it's worth...
Dad
jeff,
i agree with your dad. there is the slight possibility that God is bigger than our minds and that we arent capable of understanding how two seemingly exclusive things can be true at the same time.
... personally, i'm okay with that. i'm glad that God is big.
One thing that helps me keep it all in perspective is that people have been debating this for hundreds of years and have never come to a solid conclusion. I try to always spend a lot of time in prayer on stuff like this, that way it's God guiding me and not me guiding me. If that makes sense...
Let God Guide you... I like that mucho. Calvinism, Armenism, Anurism.
I struggle with. . .
Total Depravity,
Limited Atonement, Predestination.
Looks like we've got U and I left God. I'll see you when I get there, and we'll have a long talk. Ready to know as I have been known.
Hebrews 3-4 Gave me some REAL comfort and strife. I plan to look to Messiah for the answers to these and try to stay away from the disciples, because even they argued with each other. But one thing I have learned in this is that God's will be done, in HIS time.
Nice blog.
Good points said by all. I only know that God is bigger and knows all, whereas we are here to serve him and to spread his word. Predestination; I am lucky to be able to plan a day, let alone my life's journey. I'll let God be my source of life and let me be me.
the uncle
Finally I got a moment....Jeff, I also think this theological debate has been going on for years and I personally think it is not knowable because our God is bigger than these debates. The key to walking with our God is just spend time with Him and let Him change us on a daily basis......and always be cautious about anything th
Oh, just great, my nail hit some button and my comment is now posted without me finishing my comment. What in the world did I do now to send this thing to publish when I wasn't ready?
Ok, back to my thought??????
The point is this....never let any debate put you back into legalism of any kind. I really do think it's lazy to think God doesn't allow us to make choices. But even when we make the wrong one, our God is big and can work all things out for His glory (not ours). Well, enjoy your digging and thinking about this. I know you have a walk with God that is pretty cool, so just keep walking. God will show Himself to you.....as He promises in His word.
jeff...you sound like you are doing well...that makes me happy. I like Jay's comment and agree with it in my life's experience as well...
Jeff, I talked to Tim about some good resources and he said a reliable, balanced books is Dr. Norman Geisler's "Chosen But Free"
Another is "Absolutely Free" by Zane Hodges and if you want the Atom bomb book that leaves every arguement smoshed, then Dave Hunt's "What Love is This" could be intersting. Tim thinks this guy is pretty hostile in his approach. Anyway, if you are interesting in these books, a good source for purchase is www.Christianbook.com or 1-800-Christian. Enjoy.
Mom
If I didn't type so fast (trigger finger) and would take one moment to reread and correct my grammer and spelling, I would be happier when I read my comments. Yikes.
Maybe that is what the preview button is for. Ha!
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